Beckman Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Beckman Lake, also known as Browntown Conservation Area, is a picturesque water resource located in Green County, Wisconsin.


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Summary

Managed by the state agency WIDNR, this earth dam structure was completed in 1965 and primarily serves recreational purposes. With a dam height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet, Beckman Lake covers a surface area of 73 acres and is fed by Zander Creek.

Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, Beckman Lake remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based recreational activities. With a spillway width of 81 feet and a maximum discharge of 1310 cubic feet per second, the lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's inspection frequency of 3 years ensures its ongoing safety and operation, making it a vital resource for the local community and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

4000

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

ZANDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

73

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

800

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.